Watch out next month for the launch of Leica?s 75mm f/2 bayonet M-mount lens for rangefinder cameras ? an optic that AP?s photo-science consultant Geoffrey Crawley has tested, in an AP exclusive, in the lens supplement that?s free with our 28 May issue (on sale 24 May).

The Leica APO-Summicron-M f/2 75mm ASPH is designed for reportage and portraiture use, and is claimed to focus down to 0.7m.

A Leica spokesman explained that this is the first lens of this focal length to feature a floating element. This is designed to help improve image quality when focusing close-up.

The seven-element-in-five-group optic boasts a minimum aperture of f/16. It weighs 445g and costs around £1,570. For details call Leica Camera Ltd on 01908 256400.